$8.5 Million in Grants Keep WRTA and the Valley Moving Forward

Thanks to the bipartisan support of United States Senator Sherrod Brown and Rep. Bill Johnson and local community leaders, Western Reserve Transit Authority will receive three federal grants, totaling nearly $8.5 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.  

The three grants include a $4,313,552 Buses and Bus Facilities grant is to construct and improve the WRTA bus maintenance and operations facility — commonly called a “bus barn.” The grant “will provide funding for the replacement of one of our bus barns that hasn’t been updated since the 1970s and when the update is complete, the new bus barn will be ready for the future with the ability to charge battery electric buses and make our operation more efficient,” said Dean Harris, WRTA executive director.

A second award of $2,940,480 comes from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with the Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Transportation Discretionary Grant fund. It is to complete engineering and final design of the reconstruction of the Federal Street station.

The money also would be used to turn it into a mixed-use, transit-oriented facility that includes a new sheltered passenger terminal, parking garage, electric vehicle charging stations and other amenities.

It’s important to note the support of the community in securing the RAISE grant.  Community organizations, government officials and leaders sent letters of support of this project. 

The third grant is $1,208,632 for WRTA to replace older buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. WRTA will use much of the money to replace its gas-powered fleet of 47 large buses and about 25 smaller ones with low-emission and no-emission buses. WRTA has a goal of going all electric by 2040 and will begin converting its bus fleet to electric in 2026.

WRTA provides more than transportation… it supplies a direct route to jobs, personal freedom and the Valley’s economic future. That’s why WRTA is always moving forward, providing efficient service, supporting employers and workers, partnering with the community and preparing for a zero-emission future. 

“These grants will play a key role in keeping WRTA and the Valley moving forward.” said Harris. 

4th of July

Please be advised that WRTA will be closed and there will be no bus service on Tuesday, July 4th in celebration of the holiday.

WRTA Kicks Off New Art On The Move Campaign

The Mahoning Valley is home to art that inspires and moves us — that’s why WRTA is recognizing local artists with the Art on the Move Campaign.

Local creators are asked to submit their artwork illustrating public transportation in the Valley. Nine entries will be chosen to be displayed on the special “Mobile Art Gallery” that will be on the side of a large WRTA bus (see below). The nine winners will also receive a $100 VISA gift card, recognition at the Art On The Move kick-off event, and featured on WRTA’s social media, TV commercials, and digital sign at Federal Station.

Registration ended on Friday, June 30 and is now closed. 

Artwork submissions are due by Friday, July 7. Only artwork from creators who registered will be accepted.

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Artwork Guidelines

Your original artwork must be square and created in one of the following mediums:

• Hand drawn/painted
• Or computer generated original artwork (Exclusions include: stock art or clip art.)

Your artwork should illustrate positive images of people using or benefitting from public transportation (WRTA) in Mahoning Valley.

Here are a few examples of what the artwork can show:

• People getting on a WRTA bus
• People getting off of a WRTA bus
• People riding a WRTA bus
• WRTA riders arriving at work or a shopping center
• WRTA ADA accessible vehicle with a wheelchair user
• Rider using the myStop Mobile App 
• Rider utilizing the bike rack on a WRTA bus
• Riders waiting at a WRTA bus stop 
• Riders waiting at a WRTA bus shelter
• Clean environment (a WRTA bus with clouds, greenery, less cars on the road, etc.)
• Federal Station

Sample Artwork:

Inspiration for Artwork:

You can use these photos or videos below as inspiration for your artwork

Submission Process 

Minimal size, square 10”x10”. Physical submissions are preferred (either original piece or a print). If artwork is being submitted digitally, either as digitally-created art or a photo of a physical art, it must be a high resolution, 300 dpi JPG/PNG file (3,000×3,000 pixels). Artwork submissions are due by Friday, July 7.

PHYSICAL ENTRIES

Drop off at Farris Marketing M-F, from 9AM – 5PM— 4845 Market Street, Suite 3, Youngstown, OH 44512

DIGITAL ENTRIES

Send to Makenna @ Mozenghar@farrismarketing.com 

*Please include your first and last name on or with your artwork submission and a description of what your artwork portrays.

Questions? Call 330-770-9627.

Registrations for the WRTA Art On The Move Campaign are now closed! If you registered please submit your artwork, physically or digitally, by Friday, July 7. 

 

WRTA Awarded 2023 BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Trust

Western Reserve Transit Authority received a 2023 Torch Award for Marketplace Trust presented by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

The awards event took place today, celebrating BBB Accredited Businesses and leaders that exemplify BBB Standards for Trust. Dean Harris, WRTA Executive Director, accepted the award at the event on behalf of WRTA and thanked his employees and staff for all of their hard work and dedication.

Memorial Day

Please be advised that WRTA will be closed and there will be no bus service on Monday, May 29th in celebration of the holiday.

May Board Meeting Cancelled

Please be advised that the May Board of Trustees Meeting set for Thursday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. has been cancelled.

Route Changes Coming June 4

WRTA has made improvements to a number of its Fixed Routes to better serve the community. These routes include:

• #12-Landsdowne
• #15-Struthers
• #16-Zedaker
• #71 North

The changes to these routes will take effect on June 4, 2023 and will be reflected in the Maps & Schedules section of the WRTA website and on the Mystop Mobile app.

The new route turn-by-turn information and maps can be found below —

#12-Landsdowne

 

OUTBOUND

Facing north in Federal Station

Right on Commerce St

Left on Wick Ave

Right on McGuffey Rd

Left on Berkley Ave

Left on Springdale Ave

Right on Albert St

Right on Victor Ave

Left on Atkinson Ave

Right on Lansdowne Blvd

Right on Stewart Ave

Left on Bennington Ave

Left on E High Ave

Right on Landsdowne

Left on Oak St/McCartney Rd

Left into Lincoln Knolls Plaza

INBOUND

Exit Lincoln Knolls using the middle driveway

Right on McCartney Rd

Right on Landsdowne Blvd.

Left on E High Ave

Right on Bennington Ave

Right on Stewart Ave

Left on Lansdowne Blvd

Left on Atkinson Ave

Right on Victor Ave

Left on Albert St

Left on Springdale Ave

Right on Berkley Ave

Right on McGuffey Rd

Left on Wick Ave

Right on Commerce St

Enter Federal Station

#15-Struthers

 

OUTBOUND

Facing north in Federal Station

Right on Commerce St

Right on Walnut St

Left on Front St

Right on South Ave

Right on Hadnet Dr.

Right on Woodland

Continue to Poland Ave.

Righto on Powers Way

Left on Midlothian Blvd

Right on 5^th St

Left on Elm St

Slight left to continue onto Elm St

Right on Terrace St

Right on Poland Ave

Continue on Poland Ave

Right on 5^th St

Right on E. Manor Ave

Left into Struthers Plaza

INBOUND

Exit Struthers Plaza

Left on Rita Dr

Left on 5^th St

Right on W. Manor

Right on Youngstown Poland Rd.

Left on Midlothian

Right on Zedaker

Left on Dewey

Right on Gibson

Left on Williamson

Right on South Ave

Left on Front St

Right on Walnut St

Left on Commerce St

Left on Symphony Pl

Cont.to Federal Station

#16-Zedaker

OUTBOUND

Facing north in Federal Station

Right on Commerce St

Right on Walnut St

Left on Front St

Right on South Ave

Left on Williamson

Right o Gibson

Left on E. Dewey

Right on Zedaker

Left on Midlothian

Right on Youngstown Poland Rd.

Left on W. Manor

Continue to E. Manor

Left into Struthers Plaza

INBOUND

Exit Struthers Plaza

Left on Rita Dr

Left on 5^th St

Left on Poland Ave.

Left on State St.

Left on Walton

Right on Midlothian

Right on Zedaker

Right on Dewey

Left on Poland Ave.

Left on Hadnet

Right on South Ave.

Left on Front

Right on Walnut

Left on Commerce

Left on Symphony Pl

Cont.to Federal Station

#71-North

“Give Small Business a Lift” Winners Announced

Transit Driver Appreciation Day is March 18

Join WRTA in celebrating Transit Driver Appreciation Day on Saturday, March 18! Transit drivers make a great contribution to the community every day by ensuring passengers get to their destinations safely. WRTA drivers are dedicated to what they do and they deserve a heartfelt thanks!

Join us in celebrating our hard-working bus operators! Here are a few ways to express your gratitude:

• Write a kind, personal note and give it to your bus operator
• Say “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” when getting on the bus, and a “Thank you!” when getting off at your destination
• Post a photo of yourself at the bus stop or relaxing on the bus, using #TDAD and tag @WRTA

Please say “Thanks!” to your WRTA driver on March 18 and every day of the year!

WRTA Kicks Off Second Annual “Give Small Business a Lift” Campaign

WRTA is rolling out its second annual “Give Small Business A Lift” campaign. Last year, more than 80 local businesses applied to win the twelve coveted spots as featured businesses for the campaign. The 2023 campaign is expected to be bigger and more inclusive than ever.

“Give Small Business A Lift” is designed to promote local small businesses — spotlighting twelve local businesses that exemplify the Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic. 

“Small business is the backbone of our economy across the nation and especially here in the Valley. “ says Dean Harris, WRTA Executive Director. “WRTA is proud to provide transportation to the much of the workforce of these businesses and this campaign is our effort to give them the recognition and support they deserve.” 

HOW IT WORKS

Small businesses located in Mahoning County complete the short form below to nominate themselves. Nominations are accepted from March 13 through March 31.

A select group of three local community leaders who serve as co-chairpersons select the winners from the nominations. The twelve winners will be notified the first week in April. The featured businesses will be publicly announced and presented their awards at the kickoff event April 20 at Concept Studio in downtown Youngstown.

TWELVE WINNERS PROMOTED

The twelve featured businesses be promoted on WRTA buses, its giant digital sign downtown, on social media, tv spots, digital and ads donated by The Business Journal.

TWO BONUS AWARDS 

During the kickoff event, two drawings will be held and one business will also receive a $3,000 TV advertising campaign donated by WKBN TV and one business will receive a $3,600 social media campaign donated by BOPsocial.com.

The three-month long promotion of the twelve featured businesses will begin April 30 to coincide with National Small Business Week and continue through July 30. 

WRTA encourages all small businesses in the county to apply — even if you applied last year and did not win one of the twelve featured business spots. 

Co-sponsors of the 2023 WRTA Give Small Business a Lift Campaign are The Business Journal, WKBN TV and BOPsocial.com.

Ready to Nominate Your Business?

Starting Monday, March 13 and ending Friday, March 31, you can nominate your business by filling out the form below. The businesses selected will be notified by email and announced on WRTA’s website and social media.

Following our request, WRTA has received many nominations for businesses who would like to be a part of this campaign. Watch for our forthcoming announcement of the small businesses that have been chosen.